Dr. Greg Nelson, chair of Tusculum University‘s Board of Trustees, and Dr. Scott Hummel, the president, have a weekly phone call to discuss what is happening at Tennessee’s first higher education institution.
In the midst of those conversations, Dr. Hummel periodically will request a break – not something one would normally expect an employee to ask of a board chair. But Dr. Nelson shared Thursday, Feb. 6, during a celebration of Dr. Hummel’s fifth anniversary as a president, that there is an excellent reason for the interruption.
“He’ll say, ‘I see a prospective student on campus, and I need to go talk to them,'” Dr. Nelson said. “I hear the conversation taking place, and he’s greeting them. Dr. Hummel immediately takes the approach, ‘How can we help you? What sport are you going to be playing’ if they are a student-athlete? ‘What do you think your major is going to be?’ He’ll ask parents if they have questions. I hear these conversations over and over and over again, which tells you one the reasons Dr. Hummel is here.
“He loves to be involved as part of a university that takes care of these young people from wherever they come and brings them along in their career development by sharing what is possible for them at Tusculum.”
Dr. Nelson told the audience he is thankful for Dr. Hummel more than people realize. He said Dr. Hummel’s leadership, honed by his success earlier in his career, has helped Tusculum address major situations such as COVID-19, Hurricane Helene, the nation’s economy and challenges faced in the education system everywhere, and achieve success.
He looks forward to working with Dr. Hummel to navigate the future in a positive way, always putting the students first as they embark on their life journey with the additional support of others at the university. He is also excited at the prospect of celebrating other milestones in Dr. Hummel’s presidency.
“We really appreciate what you do for us,” Dr. Nelson told Dr. Hummel.
Tusculum family members; Board of Trustees members; representatives of the local, state and federal governments; and community members packed the Pioneer Arena lobby on campus for the ceremony. U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., sent a letter to Dr. Hummel commending him, and a staff member for Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, a Republican whose district includes Tusculum, presented him with a certificate of special congressional recognition.
The women’s basketball team gave T-shirts to Dr. Hummel and First Lady Starr Hummel. Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented Dr. Hummel with The Interlinear Bible in Hebrew, Greek and English. Dr. Cook’s wife, Nicole, honored Starr Hummel with a wreath.
The Cooks have known Dr. Hummel since he taught them science at a private Christian school in Texas.
“I saw from the beginning that he was student-centric and how much he cared for students, his colleagues and the type of heart he had for people and the Lord,” Dr. Cook said. “That has carried on. We reconnected several years ago, and he has been a mentor to me. I’ve been so impressed with how he has always sought the Lord in terms of where he should serve and how he should serve. His focus is on people.”
Dr. Hummel officially became president Feb. 17, 2020, and he always mentions how his arrival was a month before COVID-19 upended life in East Tennessee. Dr. Cook talked about the challenge of starting a presidency in that scenario and expressed gratitude to Dr. Hummel for his leadership during that time.
Dr. Cook also highlighted Dr. Hummel’s efforts to enhance Tusculum’s community connections. He said that was evident in the many people outside the university who attended the reception. In addition, he emphasized Dr. Hummel’s faith and touted how Dr. Hummel has helped the university rediscover its Christian roots.
Since Dr. Hummel became president, Tusculum has adopted an annual theme based on a biblical verse. This year, the theme is “Pressing Forward,” and Dr. Cook read the broader passage contained in Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it on my own, but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He said the verses aptly describe how the Hummels have helped Tusculum since their arrival.
Starr Hummel also received praise from Dr. Cook for caring deeply about faith, the students and the community. She has joined her husband in hosting athletic teams and student organizations for meals at the President’s House. Dr. Cook thanked her for the meals and sweet treats she provides as well as the personal support for people experiencing difficult moments.
“We’re thankful for both of you,” Dr. Cook said. “We love you. You obviously see how many people love you and appreciate the five years of dedicated service you’ve given.”
Dr. Hummel was grateful for the event and described serving at Tusculum and living in Greene County as an honor for him and his wife. He said he was touched to look out at the attendees and see students, those who work at Tusculum as well as fellow Rotarians, others from the community and members of Tusculum Baptist Church, where he and Starr worship and he is the interim pastor.
“Thank you all very much,” Dr. Hummel said. “I very much appreciate it. It’s a privilege to be a part of the Tusculum family and the community. Starr and I have enjoyed our time at Tusculum and know how special the opportunity to serve our students is. We also relish spending time in the community and cherish the friendships we have built.”
In wrapping up the event with a prayer, Dr. Chris Shumate, assistant vice president of student affairs and campus minister, thanked God for Dr. Hummel and Starr’s leadership, service and impact on the university and the community for the last five years. He prayed for God’s continuing blessings on them as individuals and as a couple and for their family and ministry.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.
